Italy dominates Youth America’s Cup

Barcelona, Spain (September 26, 2024) – The Youth America’s Cup Final failed to deliver an exciting conclusion as an early mistake by the USA team gave the lead to the Italians at the start, and it was a margin they’d stretch to over 800 meters to win the 20 minute, winner-take-all race.

Beginning September 17, Italy and USA rose through the 12-team field to reach the Finals which was planned to be held today between the opening two races of the Louis Vuitton Cup Final to ensure maximum exposure. However, with a building sea-state expected through the afternoon, the race was instead held two hours earlier due to concern for the AC40 teams.

After the USA entered the start box seconds early at the port end of the line, the umpires penalized them with a 75-metre ‘get behind’ penalty, and despite starting well, after the first tack, USA was forced to give away the leverage to the Italians.

The distance of 75 metres quickly became 100 metres as Luna Rossa covered tenaciously over by the right boundary and then offered no passing lanes over the next six legs.

Led by Marco Gradoni, and with the outstanding talents of co-helmsman Gianluigi ‘Gigi’ Ugolini, and trimmers Rocco Falcone and Federico Colaninno, the Italian team were a class apart throughout the event and were the worthy winners, penalty or not.

Sailing smartly, Luna Rossa made no mistakes in the Final, rounding the leeward gates with two-boards down in the 18 knot breeze and bearing away steadily at the top gates – albeit at speeds in excess of 46 knots. It was a masterclass of front-running from start to finish.

For the NYYC America’s Cup youth team led by Harry Melges, with co-helmsman Kyle Navin, and trimmers Severin Gramm and Finn Rowe, their dream was extinguished, and the sailors were left ruing the starting error as well as some minor splashdown errors that eventually resulted in a 36-second deficit to the Italian crew.

“This moment is important because we worked a lot for this and now we have achieved our goal,” said Gradoni. “I really want to thank everyone, the coach, the shore team, the tech team, everyone really because it was super hard to get here at this level. But we did it and it’s an amazing feeling.”

Viewing details – Race information – Results – Weather forecast

Format: Beginning September 17, 12 teams were split into two groups of six for an initial fleet race series in the AC40s. The top three teams from each side after eight races race together in four fleet races to decide the top-two crews and from there it’s a one-race, winner-takes-all for the title on September 26.

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period was from December 1, 2021 until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the reveal, finally confirming Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series*
August 29-September 9: Double Round Robin
September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9)
September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)

*Team New Zealand competes in the round robin stage only, but the results of their races were not included in the challenger leaderboard.

2024 America’s Cup
October 12-27: 37th Match (Best of 13)

For competition details, click here.

Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the Youth America’s Cup and Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home

Source: ACE, Scuttlebutt